A number of physicians have reported to CMA delays in receiving pediatric vaccines ordered through the CDC’s Vaccines for Children program. Orders that usually take two weeks from order to fulfillment have been taking four to five weeks.

Physicians should be aware that the delays do not signal a vaccine shortage. According to the California Department of Health Services (DHS), the delays are a temporary result of the recent transition to a new centralized national vaccine inventory and distribution system.

Physicians are urged to assess their inventory and adjust their ordering practices to make sure they do not run out of vaccine.

Howard Backer, M.D., chief of the DHS Immunization Branch, has assured CMA that the department is aware of the problem and is doing everything it can to stabilize and improve the situation. “We do not have any control over delays at the CDC and the national distributor, although we are a loud squeaky wheel to the CDC concerning the deterioration in customer service,” says Dr. Backer. “We are taking aggressive measures at our end to minimize delays and reduce processing time. “

Vaccines for Children provides vaccines at little or no cost to physicians who serve eligible children. For more information on this program, call DHS at 877/243-8832 or contact your local VFC representative [excel].